Stratagems are tactical arsenals that can provide strategic advantages to your missions in Helldivers 2. See our tier list for the best Stratagems to use and a list of all Stratagems and their codes in this guide!
What are Stratagems?
Stratagems are strategic arsenals that are a core part of your loadout as a Helldiver. These can provide defensive and offensive support that can make or break your mission in the highest difficulties.
You can bring a total of 4 different Stratagems in a single deployment, each with their own democratic purposes!
All Offensive Stratagems
Eagle 110mm Rocket Pods
Unlock Level: 10Effect: A barrage of rocket pods, which the Eagle pilot will release on the largest target near the stratagem beacon.Code:UpRightUpLeft
Eagle 500kg Bomb
Unlock Level: 15Effect: A large bomb obliterating almost any target close to impact. Make sure to clear the area.Code:UpRightDownDownDown
Eagle Airstrike
Unlock Level: 2Effect: A barrage of bombs creating a non-targeted carpet of explosions.Code:UpRightDownRight
Eagle Cluster Bomb
Unlock Level: 3Effect: A targeted air strike unable to destroy buildings, but efficient at clearing smaller targets.Code:UpRightDownDownRight
Eagle Napalm Airstrike
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A barrage of napalm bombs, creating a wall of fire which will stop the enemy in their tracks.Code:UpRightDownUp
Eagle Smoke Strike
Unlock Level: 8Effect: A barrage of smoke grenades, creating a thick smoke screen to block enemies’ line of sight.Code:UpRightUpDown
Eagle Strafing Run
Unlock Level: 2Effect: A strafing run of the battlefield to clear small targets, delivered almost instantly.Code:UpRightRight
Orbital 120mm HE Barrage
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A precision artillery salvo over a small area, perfect for taking out concentrated enemy units.Code:RightRightDownLeftRightDown
Orbital 380mm HE Barrage
Unlock Level: 8Effect: A prolonged barrage, wreaking extended destruction over a large area. Communication with teammates is advised.Code:RightDownUpUpLeftDownDown
Orbital Airburst Strike
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A projectile which explodes while airborne, creating a deadly rain of shrapnel. Not effective against heavy armor.Code:RightRightRight
Orbital EMS Strike
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A “compliance weapon” to modify enemy behavior. The projectile temporarily stuns all targets within the strike radius.Code:RightRightLeftDown
Orbital Gas Strike
Unlock Level: 3Effect: A projectile which releases a cloud of corrosive gas, harmful to both organic and robotic lifeforms.Code:RightRightDownRight
Orbital Gatling Barrage
Unlock Level: 2Effect: A barrage of high explosive rounds, fired from the Destroyer’s high speed rotary autocannons.Code:RightDownLeftUpUp
Orbital Laser
Unlock Level: 15Effect: The Destroyer’s laser cannon will sweep over the designated area, vaporizing all targets within the effective radius.Code:RightDownUpRightDown
Orbital Precision Strike
Unlock Level: DefaultEffect: A single precision shot from the Destroyer’s ‘ATLAS’ cannon.Code:RightRightUp
Orbital Railcannon Strike
Unlock Level: 20Effect: A high-velocity railcannon round fired at the largest target in close proximity to the beacon. Targeting is automatic.Code:RightUpDownDownRight
Orbital Smoke Strike
Unlock Level: 8Effect: Creates a large, thick smoke screen to block targets’ line of sight.Code:RightRightDownUp
Orbital Walking Barrage
Unlock Level: 10Effect: A linear artillery barrage which moves at intervals, driving the enemy out from cover while allowing an advance.Code:RightDownRightDownRightDown
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Offensive stratagems include Orbital and Eagle strikes. These usually deal massive damage over a wide area, making them great for clearing out powerful enemies, swarms, Terminid Nests, and Automaton Outposts.
All Defensive Stratagems
Anti-Personnel Minefield
Unlock Level: 2Effect: Deploys a defensive anti-personnel minefield, to halt enemy advance.Code:DownLeftUpRight
Autocannon Sentry
Unlock Level: 13Effect: An automated cannon turret firing anti-tank ammunition over long ranges. Sacrifices agility for range and power.Code:DownUpRightUpLeftUp
EMS Mortar Sentry
Unlock Level: 20Effect: A turret firing static field generators that slow the advance of enemies.Code:DownUpRightDownRight
Gatling Sentry
Unlock Level: 5Effect: An automated turret with an extremely high rate of fire. Caution: does not check if friendly units are in line of fire.Code:DownUpRightLeft
HMG Emplacement
Unlock Level: 10Effect: A manned fortification offering superior firepower against lightly armored targets. Slow to turn, so place it wisely.Code:DownUpLeftRightRightLeft
Incendiary Mines
Unlock Level: 8Effect: Deploys a defensive incendiary minefiled, which will set both terrain and targets alight when triggered.Code:DownLeftLeftDown
Machine Gun Sentry
Unlock Level: 3Effect: An agile automated machine gun turret. Will fire at targets even if Helldivers will be caught in the crossfire.Code:DownUpRightRightUp
Mortar Sentry
Unlock Level: 8Effect: A turret firing powerful shells in a high arc. Effective at long ranges, and able to strike at targets behind cover.Code:DownUpRightRightDown
Rocket Sentry
Unlock Level: 15Effect: A powerful automated turret, effective against armored targets. The turret will primarily aim at larger enemies.Code:DownUpRightRightLeft
Shield Generator Relay
Unlock Level: 10Effect: A stationary enemy shield which provides cover against projectiles. Has a limited lifetime once deployed.Code:DownDownLeftRightLeftRight
Tesla Tower
Unlock Level: 15Effect: A turret which fires electrical charges at targets in close range. To avoid friendly fire, remain prone.Code:DownUpRightUpLeftRight
Defensive stratagems are mainly used to fortify an area to prevent enemies from surrounding you. These cover sentries and mines to pick off nearby enemies and are great for missions that need you to defend.
All Supply Stratagems
Anti-Materiel Rifle
Unlock Level: 2Effect: A high-caliber sniper rifle effective over long distances against light vehicle armor. This rifle must be aimed downscope.Code:DownLeftRightUpDown
Arc Thrower
Unlock Level: 15Effect: Projects an arc of lightning at close range. Charges up to project bolts, and may discharge through multiple targets.Code:DownRightDownUpLeftLeft
Autocannon
Unlock Level: 10Effect: A fully-automatic cannon effective against light vehicle armor. Includes support backpack required for reloading.Code:DownLeftDownUpUpRight
Ballistic Shield Backpack
Unlock Level: 12Effect: A backpack which can be wielded as a one-handed ballistic shield, protecting against small arms fire.Code:DownLeftDownDownUpLeft
EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit
Unlock Level: 25Effect: A heavily-armored walking exosuit equipped with a rocket launcher and a heavy machine gun.Code:LeftDownRightUpLeftDownDown
Expendable Anti-Tank
Unlock Level: 3Effect: A single-use weapon specialized for damaging vehicle armor. Discarded after every use.Code:DownDownLeftUpRight
Flamethrower
Unlock Level: 10Effect: An incendiary weapon for close range. Will ignite targets, terrain, and any flammable teammates.Code:DownLeftUpDownUp
Grenade Launcher
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A grenade launcher effective against armored infantry. Not intended for use against vehicle armor or fortified buildings.Code:DownLeftUpLeftDown
Guard Dog
Unlock Level: 10Effect: An autonomous drone equipped with a Liberator assault rifle, providing 360° cover. Returns to backpack to rearm.Code:DownUpLeftUpRightDown
Guard Dog Rover
Unlock Level: 10Effect: An autonomous drone equipped with a laser rifle, providing 360° cover.Code:DownUpLeftUpRightRight
Jump Pack
Unlock Level: 8Effect: Enables the user to jump higher than ‘gravity’ and ‘safety’ would normally allow. Must be charged before use.Code:DownUpUpDownUp
Laser Cannon
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A laser weapon firing a continuous beam. Doesn’t require ammunition, but will need heat sink replaced if it overheats.Code:DownLeftDownUpLeft
Machine Gun
Unlock Level: DefaultEffect: A machine gun designed for stationary use. Trades higher power for increased recoil and reduced accuracy.Code:DownLeftDownUpRight
Railgun
Unlock Level: 20Effect: An experimental weapon which prioritizes armor penetration. Must be charged between shots – so choose targets carefully.Code:DownRightDownUpLeftRight
Recoilless Rifle
Unlock Level: 5Effect: A recoilless rifle effective against vehicle armor. Includes support backpack required for reloading.Code:DownLeftRightRightLeft
Shield Generator Pack
Unlock Level: 20Effect: Encloses the wearer in a spherical shield which blocks high-speed projectiles. Has a limited lifetime once deployed.Code:DownUpLeftRightLeftRight
Spear
Unlock Level: 20Effect: An anti-tank homing missle which must be lock onto its target before launch. Effective against large and armored enemies.Code:DownDownUpDownDown
Stalwart
Unlock Level: 2Effect: A compact, low caliber machine gun. Trades power for ease of use, with faster reloading than heavier machine guns.Code:DownLeftDownUpUpLeft
Supply Pack
Unlock Level: 3Effect: Supply boxes containing ammunition, with a backpack that allows the user to distribute boxes to hellow Helldivers.Code:DownLeftDownUpUpDown
Supply stratagems mainly include Support Weapons, which are typically stronger than regular weapons. Some of these stratagems, like the Guard Dog drone and Shield Generator Pack, also provide additional support.
